Qualys Web Application Firewall vs Zscaler Internet Access (ZIA) WAF
Both Qualys Web Application Firewall and Zscaler Internet Access (ZIA) WAF are capable WAF solutions. The right choice depends on your specific infrastructure, budget, and feature requirements.
Overview
Qualys Web Application Firewall and Zscaler Internet Access (ZIA) WAF are both popular web application firewall solutions. This comparison will help you understand the key differences and choose the right one for your needs.
Cloud-managed WAF from Qualys that integrates with their vulnerability scanning platform, enabling one-click virtual patching of discovered vulnerabilities. Note — product was decommissioned September 2024.
Enterprise zero trust security platform with integrated cloud WAF capabilities as part of Zscaler Internet Access. Inspects all traffic including encrypted SSL/TLS at cloud scale.
Quick Comparison
| Feature | Qualys Web Application Firewall | Zscaler Internet Access (ZIA) WAF |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Rating | 3.0/5 | 3.8/5 |
| Free Tier | No | No |
| Pricing Model | Subscription, per-asset licensing (product decommissioned) | Per user / Annual subscription |
| Ease of Use | 3.2/5 | 3.2/5 |
| Value for Money | 2.5/5 | 3.0/5 |
| Support | 3.5/5 | 4.0/5 |
| Platforms | VMware, Hyper-V, Docker, AWS, Azure, Google Cloud Platform | Cloud (SaaS) |
| Compliance | PCI DSS, SOC 2, FedRAMP, ISO 27001 (Qualys platform level) | SOC 2, ISO 27001, FedRAMP, HIPAA, PCI DSS, GDPR |
Pricing Comparison
Qualys Web Application Firewall
Model: Subscription, per-asset licensing (product decommissioned)
Qualys WAF (Decommissioned)
Previously subscription-based
Zscaler Internet Access (ZIA) WAF
Model: Per user / Annual subscription
ZIA Business
Custom pricing
ZIA Transformation
Custom pricing
Features Comparison
Qualys Web Application Firewall
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WAS Integration
Automatically generate WAF rules from Qualys Web Application Scanning results for one-click virtual patching.
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Cloud-Managed Appliance
Virtual appliance deployed locally but managed centrally through the Qualys Cloud Platform.
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Custom Security Policies
Flexible policy engine with reusable rules and templates for common platforms and custom applications.
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Pre-Built CMS Policies
Out-of-the-box protection policies for WordPress, Joomla, Drupal, SharePoint, and Outlook Web Application.
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Security Event Analytics
Detailed dashboards with traffic summaries, threat trends, and drill-down capabilities for incident investigation.
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Local Traffic Processing
Application traffic stays within your environment for minimal latency and full data control.
Zscaler Internet Access (ZIA) WAF
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Inline WAF Protection
Inspects web traffic inline for OWASP Top 10 threats as part of the broader ZIA security stack.
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Full SSL/TLS Inspection
Decrypts, inspects, and re-encrypts all encrypted traffic at cloud scale without performance degradation.
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AI-Powered Threat Detection
Machine learning models analyze traffic patterns to detect zero-day threats and advanced attacks.
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Cloud Firewall
Stateful inspection firewall for all ports and protocols, extending protection beyond HTTP/S traffic.
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Centralized Policy Management
Single console for global security policy enforcement across 150+ data centers.
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Zero Trust Architecture
Identity-based access control ensuring users only reach authorized applications regardless of location.
Which One Is Right for You?
The best WAF depends on your specific requirements, infrastructure, and team expertise.
Qualys Web Application Firewall
- You need: Historical reference; previously suited for Qualys platform customers wanting integrated vulnerability management and WAF
- You're using: VMware, Hyper-V, Docker, AWS, Azure, Google Cloud Platform
Zscaler Internet Access (ZIA) WAF
- You need: Large enterprises adopting zero trust, organizations wanting a single vendor for all web security, companies with distributed workforces needing consistent global security policy
- You're using: Cloud (SaaS)
We recommend evaluating both options with a trial or free tier before committing. Consider your existing infrastructure, team expertise, compliance requirements, and budget.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which has better support: Qualys Web Application Firewall or Zscaler Internet Access (ZIA) WAF?
Zscaler Internet Access (ZIA) WAF has a higher support rating (4.0/5) compared to Qualys Web Application Firewall (3.5/5). However, support quality can vary based on your plan tier - enterprise customers typically receive more responsive support from both providers. Consider evaluating support during a trial period.
Which is easier to implement: Qualys Web Application Firewall or Zscaler Internet Access (ZIA) WAF?
Zscaler Internet Access (ZIA) WAF scores higher for ease of use (3.2/5) versus Qualys Web Application Firewall (3.2/5). The actual implementation effort depends on your existing infrastructure and team expertise.
Which is more cost-effective: Qualys Web Application Firewall or Zscaler Internet Access (ZIA) WAF?
Neither provider offers a completely free tier. Zscaler Internet Access (ZIA) WAF scores higher for value (3.0/5). Total cost depends on your traffic volume, required features, and support level needs.
Which works better with AWS: Qualys Web Application Firewall or Zscaler Internet Access (ZIA) WAF?
Qualys Web Application Firewall explicitly supports AWS while Zscaler Internet Access (ZIA) WAF's AWS integration may vary. Consider whether native AWS integration or cross-cloud portability matters more for your use case.
Which is better for enterprise: Qualys Web Application Firewall or Zscaler Internet Access (ZIA) WAF?
Zscaler Internet Access (ZIA) WAF is positioned for enterprise use cases, while Qualys Web Application Firewall may be more suited for small to mid-market organizations. Both offer compliance certifications important for enterprise. Enterprise buyers should evaluate SLAs, support options, and integration capabilities.